Sabres Preview: Key Storylines Ahead of Preseason Opener vs. Penguins
The Buffalo Sabres are entering the final stretch of their preseason schedule, with a upcoming exhibition game against the Pittsburgh Penguins drawing attention from fans and analysts alike. As the team evaluates roster combinations and assesses the health of key players, several narrative threads stand out. Below we break down the three primary storylines to watch, incorporating the most recent information available as of late September 2025.
1. Kulich, Danforth Make Preseason Debuts
Forward Jack Kulich and winger Tyson Danforth are both slated to appear in the Sabres’ lineup for the first time this preseason after missing significant portions of last season due to injury. Kulich, who was projected to be the team’s top‑center before a blood‑clot diagnosis sidelined him in November 2024, has returned to full practice and has been skating on a line with Sam Carrick and Beck Malenstyn. Danforth, whose season ended early with a broken kneecap in the fourth game of 2024‑25, has cleared medical protocols and is competing for a bottom‑six, penalty‑killing role.
The coaching staff intends to use the preseason games to determine where each player fits within the organization’s plans for the 2025‑26 campaign. While Kulich has shown flashes of top‑six ability in prior seasons, his current line mates suggest a possible secondary‑scoring role. Danforth, meanwhile, is being evaluated alongside other candidates such as Tyson Kozak for a rugged, defensive‑forward spot that could see regular penalty‑kill assignments.
2. Competition on Defense
Buffalo’s defensive corps appears set at the top six, anchored by returning standouts Rasmus Dahlin, Mattias Samuelsson, Owen Power and Conor Timmins, supplemented by newcomers Olen Zellweger and Louis Crevier. The battle for the seventh‑defenseman spot — often a swing‑role that sees spot‑starts and special‑teams duty — has intensified during camp.
Zach Metsa and Dennis Gilbert have emerged as the early frontrunners, having logged significant time with the NHL practice group. Veteran Ryan Johnson, who possesses prior NHL experience, remains in the mix, while 2025 first‑round pick Radim Mrtka is looking to make an impression in his inaugural professional season. The preseason contests will provide the coaching staff with a clearer picture of which combination offers the best blend of reliability, offensive upside, and penalty‑kill effectiveness.
3. Pittsburgh’s Roster
The Penguins’ preseason lineup features a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent. Notable names include longtime captain Kris Letang on the blue line and forward Bryan Rust, both of whom are expected to log substantial minutes. Pittsburgh’s roster also showcases a number of younger players vying for roster spots, setting up an intriguing contrast with Buffalo’s own mix of established core pieces and prospects.
Fans can view the Penguins’ complete preseason roster via the team’s official website, where the club outlines its lineup combinations and injury updates heading into the exhibition slate.
Overall, the upcoming Sabres‑Penguins game serves as a valuable measuring stick for both clubs. Buffalo will use the opportunity to assess the readiness of Kulich and Danforth, finalize its defensive depth chart, and gauge how its emerging pieces stack up against a Penguins squad that blends experience with youth.
As the preseason progresses, keep an eye on player ice‑time, line combinations, and any adjustments made by head coach Don Granato based on performance in these exhibition contests.
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